Unveiling the Hidden Bond: Yasuke and Naoe’s Off-Screen Friendship in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

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In “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” the main characters, the historical figure Yasuke and assassin Naoe, take center stage. The narrative not only develops a significant friendship between these characters, but their story also plays a crucial role off-screen: the longstanding friendship between the actors portraying Yasuke (Tongayi Chirisa) and Naoe (Masumi Tsunoda) in real life.

As a fervent admirer, I had the opportunity to chat with MASUMI Tsunoda before the launch of “Assassin’s Creed Shadows.” During our conversation, she shared insights into her initial foray into video game acting and the swift bond she formed with her co-actor Chirisa.

The Dual Leads of Assassin’s Creed Shadows

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the main characters, Yasuke and Naoe, present a fascinating juxtaposition. While Yasuke is based on an authentic historical figure, Naoe embodies a more standard Assassin’s Creed protagonist. Yasuke represents strength, contrasting with Naoe who is swift and nimble. Yasuke hails from afar, whereas Naoe is native to the land. Their stories unfold differently, with Yasuke moving through the city at ground level, while Naoe leaps from rooftop to rooftop. It’s their shared journey and ideals that bind these characters together, as MASUMI pointed out: they walk different paths, but share a common destination.

Initially, Yasuke storms into my humble hometown of Iga, a stranger whose friendship I had yet to consider. Our journey, fraught with contrasting principles and values, eventually brings us together in an alliance that I found captivating. This tale resonates deeply because we start from opposing viewpoints, only to find common ground in the most unexpected of places. The intrigue lies in the stark contrast between Yasuke, a towering samurai clad in armor, unable to hide, and Naoe, a figure shrouded in shadows, swift as a whisper. This fascinating duo’s union is what makes this story truly remarkable, and I eagerly anticipate sharing it with you.

This method is quite effective when handling games with two main characters, a characteristic often seen in Ubisoft Quebec’s Assassin’s Creed series. The unique perspectives keep players engaged and exposed to the acting talents of MASUMI and Chirisa. Apart from gameplay, their interwoven themes significantly contribute to the overall experience. Both characters, along with the actors portraying them, offer an immersive journey of revenge, forgiveness, and camaraderie, while also challenging the cycle of violence typical of the era. Collectively, Naoe and Yasuke carve out a distinct path; in reality, their tale has opened new avenues for MASUMI and Chirisa as well.

The Voices Behind the Dual Leads

Backstage, MASUMI and Chirisa didn’t perceive any division or initial strain between Yasuke and Naoe. In fact, MASUMI took an instant liking to Chirisa, considering him more like a brother in no time. During her final audition, she enacted a scene opposite Yasuke, and as she performed, she pictured the actor who would play that role. To her surprise, when she met Chirisa for real, she found his portrayal quite accurate to what she had imagined.

Upon meeting him following my job assignment, he turned out to be just as I had imagined – radiating warm and brotherly energy. Our rapport developed immediately, making one of the most cherished aspects of this video game experience for me. Not only did I find myself fortunate enough to make a lifetime friend in Tongayi, but our collaboration was an unparalleled joy. It felt effortless, and I’m thankful that I had the opportunity to work with him throughout this project.

For MASUMI, who made her debut as a video game actor in “Assassin’s Creed Shadows”, the supportive camaraderie was incredibly beneficial. Being new to aspects like motion capture, Chirisa played a significant role in the enjoyable learning process she experienced while working on the project. Over the past two years, the friendship that blossomed between them has been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience for MASUMI.

She similarly gave a glowing appraisal of Chirisa’s act, much like how associate narrative director Brooke Davies highly commended the performances of the actors in “Assassin’s Creed Shadows”. The actors’ ability to wear their emotions so openly earned them accolades from the developers. However, it was the combination of their exceptional performance and the strong bond they formed that truly made a difference.

This individual is an exceptional performer, deeply in tune with his emotions. He’s constantly seeking ways to enhance his craft, all while maintaining a lighthearted demeanor that makes the workday feel less taxing. After all, eight hours of motion-capture work can become quite demanding, wouldn’t you agree? The equipment can be heavy, and it takes time to acclimate. The scenes we perform are highly emotional. Working alongside him, I found myself absorbing a great deal from his professionalism and wealth of experience.

In the game “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” the relationships between characters like Chirisa and MASUMI, and Yasuke and Naoe, significantly shape the player’s journey. On-screen and off-, these bonds have been carefully crafted over years by exceptionally skilled actors, making them a crucial part of the game’s overall experience.

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2025-03-19 22:45